THE SYCAMORE. 



119 



of stem, as for its wide spreading branches and 

 luxuriant foliage, among which from twenty to 

 thirty men could be easily concealed. It was 

 used by the family of Kennedy, who were the 

 most powerful barons of the west of Scotland, for 

 the purpose above-mentioned. The last occasion 

 was about two hundred years ago, when Sir John 

 Fau, of Dunbar, was hanged on it, for having 

 made an attempt, in the disguise of a g3T)sy, to 

 carry off the then Countess of Cassillis, who was 

 the daughter of the Earl of Haddington, and to 

 whom he had been betrothed prior to his going 

 abroad to travel. Having been detained for some 

 years a prisoner in Spain, he was supposed to be 

 dead, and in his absence the lady married John, 

 Earl of Cassillis. It is said that the lady wit- 

 nessed the execution of her former lover from her 

 b e d-r o om win do w. 



